Moyes: I share RVP’s thirst for more medals

David Moyes is banking on Robin van Persie’s personal desire to keep the medals flowing to help him break his own trophy duck.

Moyes has discovered a dressing-room overflowing with title winners, European Champions and cup winners in the few weeks since he took over as Manchester United manager.

But in the Dutchman he has found a kindred spirit.

Until he became part of United’s Premier League winning squad 12 months ago, the striker had just a single FA Cup winner’s medal to show for eight seasons in England.

“I asked Robin the other day how many medals he has won,” says Moyes. “I saw the glint in his eyes to say ‘I need more’. Well, so do I!

“I’ve been so impressed with Robin’s attitude. He’s had a phenomenal start to the season.

“The big thing for me is how much a team player he is and the work ethic he has.

“I was worried when I came in because I’d lost Rene (Meulensteen, Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant) and I knew he and Robin were close. But he’s been brilliant to work with.

“His movement in the box is sensational and his understanding of the game really is top notch.

“I used to wonder how Ruud van Nistelrooy scored so many goals. I used to show all my centre-forwards how he scored them.

“Robin has some of that quality, but he can score different types of goals.

“He scores from outside the box and inside. He scored an unbelievable header in the Community Shield, and one at Swansea when he got his foot up seven feet in the air.

“When a player gets to 30 he knows what he needs and doesn’t need. He knows his own body.

“His attitude to the work is top class. He stays out regularly to do more finishing drills at the end of the session.

“But I think there are also times when we need to tell him: ‘You just come out on the pitch with your boots on and that will be enough.’

“We’ve tried to look after him and do all the things he needs to prepare him right.”

After two Community Shield goals and two more on the opening day, Moyes will be hoping Van Persie can carry on scoring.

That’s especially the case in his first big test as United manager when Chelsea visit Old Trafford tomorrow.

Moyes acknowledges that Jose Mourinho possesses all the credentials to have inherited Ferguson’s legacy at Old Trafford.

“It’s quite right that Jose should be considered for a top job like this,” he says.

“Of all the young modern managers, he’s the best.

“I’ve had the pleasure of watching his teams over the years and he’s a coach who changes things as he sees the game developing.

“But there is a difference facing him as Manchester United manager.

“United teams always go out there to win and any team I put out can be a match for anyone in the Premier League.”